Life's Victories: Kelly Elliott-Booher

My name is Kelly Elliott-Booher. I am a breast cancer survivor of 8 years and one tough cookie.

In 2008 after a 32 year marriage, my husband decided he wanted a divorce. I was going to lose everything including my health insurance. Even though I had been for my yearly exam and mammogram nine months prior, I decided to get it done again not knowing when and if I would have insurance again. Well guess what? They found a lump in my right breast the day before my divorce was final! That was a really crappy week!!

I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. It was a very lonely and scary time. My family and friends were a wonderful support system. My faith in God (even though I was questioning why) got me through, along with an AFLAC cancer policy that I had taken out a few years before-which was a surprise blessing.

I now work for Women’s Center for Radiology in Orlando. I see women and men everyday coming in for their mammograms and our 3D imaging is the best.

I recommend getting an exam and a mammogram every year (remember it had only been 9 months between mine). I also encourage purchasing AFLAC Cancer insurance and getting second opinions. Also, try to avoid or rid yourself of stress, doing the treatments that are right for you and your body and praying for peace, healing, strength and protection.